William Larue Weller 128.0 proof

Overview
William Larue Weller stands as the sole wheated bourbon in Buffalo Trace's prestigious Antique Collection, with the 2019 release delivering a barrel-proof expression aged 12 years in Warehouse I barrels for exceptional depth and intensity.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
This annual BTAC offering varies by proof and profile, with enthusiasts often favoring even-year releases. Selected from Independent Stave barrels with Level 4 char, it enters at 114 proof and distills to 130 proof using yeast strain DF2, remaining non-chill filtered.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Chocolate-covered cherry leads, backed by vanilla bean, sweetened coffee, warm toffee, pipe tobacco, seasoned oak, and ground cinnamon.
• Palate: Brown sugar and seasoned oak dominate, with toasted vanilla beans, cherry Pop-Tart, orange marmalade, darker red fruits, and chocolate-dipped fruits adding layers of richness.
• Finish: Prolonged intensity from the high proof, echoing oak, fruits, and toffee with robust persistence.

Notable details

• Production: Barrel proof at 128.0, non-chill filtered; heavy char and Warehouse I maturation yield bold, easy-drinking character.
• Lineage: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection flagship wheated bourbon, unmatched in its category.
• Comparison: Tops current wheated bourbons for flavor depth, though core notes may feel consistent over extended sessions.

"The 2019 WLW delivers unreal flavor and depth as an exceptional wheated bourbon." – The Bourbon Culture

Closing
A benchmark barrel-proof wheated bourbon for collectors seeking uncompromised power and complexity.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonculture – "William Larue Weller 2019 (128.0 proof) Review"